Behavioural issues, once largely associated with adults, are now increasingly being seen in children. There is a worrying surge in problems such as aggression, violent behaviour, irritability, poor attention span, emotional outbursts, and social withdrawal among children.
Excessive screen time, early exposure to mobile phones, and a lack of physical and creative activities are the driving factors in children. Experts say parents ignoring early signs can impact a child’s emotional development, academic performance, and long-term mental health, making timely attention more important than ever. It is also why they say parents should stay vigilant and consult the expert without any delay, and seek timely help.
From a clinical perspective, excessive screen use directly affects the developing brain. Children’s brains are highly sensitive to stimulation, and fast-paced digital content continuously activates the brain’s reward system. This leads to increased dopamine release, making children crave constant stimulation.
In a month, Pune doctors say they are seeing eight to 10 children aged four to 14 years presenting with behavioural concerns such as aggression, frustration, depression, frequent temper tantrums, restlessness, impatience, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and poor social interaction. Moreover, excessive screen exposure overstimulates the brain and reduces a child’s ability to self-regulate emotions. Too much screen time can limit opportunities for face-to-face interactions and impact language development in young children.
“Children may miss out on critical language acquisition experiences during screen use. They can be vulnerable to online threats, including cyberbullying and inappropriate content. This can have a serious impact on a child`s self-esteem and overall well-being. If these issues are not addressed early, they can progress into anxiety disorders, low self-esteem, and strained family relationships. Behavioural problems can also affect a child’s performance at school and their ability to form healthy friendships,” said Dr Tushar Parikh, who is the the senior consultant neonatologist and head of department at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi in Pune.
Dr Jeetendra Gandhi, who is the consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Pune added, “Children with prolonged screen exposure often present with different warning signs such as social withdrawal, excessive dependence on devices, declining academic performance, reduced verbal communication, and avoidance of family interaction. Monthly, we see around four to five children belonging to the age group of four–14 years brought in with concerns like low motivation, poor impulse control, clinginess, headaches related to screen overuse, and resistance when devices are taken away. Many also show reduced creativity and limited engagement in imaginative play. When digital time replaces real-life experiences, children lose valuable opportunities to build patience, teamwork, and emotional understanding. Parents should introduce consistent screen boundaries and promote meaningful family engagement to support balanced growth.”
Dr. Parikh further explained, “The good news is that early intervention works very well. Reducing screen time, setting clear routines, encouraging outdoor play, sports, reading, and creative activities can significantly improve behaviour. Parents should spend quality time talking and listening to their children, as emotional connection plays a key role in healthy development. In some cases, counselling or behavioural therapy may be required, especially when symptoms persist or worsen. Parents should notice behavioural changes in children as early warning signs rather than phases to be ignored.
With balanced screen use that is allowing the child to use electronic devices for a maximum of two hours a day, active lifestyles which involve daily exercise for 45 minutes, emotional support, encouraging the child to communicate openly, and timely professional guidance, these behavioural issues can be effectively managed. Parents should regulate the screen time in children on an immediate basis and encourage them to watch educational content instead of scrolling through mindless reels.
Make bedrooms a no-screen zone. The child shouldn’t use a mobile while eating, and spend some quality time with the child. Educate your child regarding online safety, from the dangers of scammers, hackers, and cyberbullies to avoiding the emotional and psychological impact of inappropriate or violent content. Early care not only helps children develop healthier habits but also supports their emotional well-being, confidence, and future growth.
Pune docs observe rising screen time triggering behavioural issues in children
